Bancroft Press in the MediA

Lynch book on loneliness beginning to get media attention

Dr. James J. Lynch, one of the founders of the holistic health movement, is slowing gaining the media's attention with his groundbreaking June 2000 book "A Cry Unheard: New Insights into the Medical Consequences of Loneliness." On May 23, Lynch appeared on Maryland Public Television's daily statewide news program, "Newsnight Maryland." The segment devoted almost its entire 30-minute broadcast to the book, loneliness, and the elderly, generating a bevy of calls and discussion.

On June 2, Lynch will be in Washington, D.C., as part of a prestigious panel assembled for the program "This is America with Dennis Wholey." The guests, who will discuss the state of community in America, include world-famous feminist and author Betty Friedan; sociologist Robert Putnam, author of the best-selling book "Bowling Alone"; sociologist Dr. Amitai Etzioni, author of "The New Golden Rule"; and philosopher Dr. Christina Hoff Sommers, author of "The War Against Boys." Wholey's daily discussion show is carried on over 150 PBS stations in the U.S. and broadcast into more than 250 foreign cities via the Worldnet Satellite system and the USIA.

MPT's website summarized the dangers of loneliness this way: "There's increasing evidence that a stronger than previously thought connection exists between loneliness and health. Some health officials believe that close relationships can help protect against illness. They say that the lack of personal relationships or social isolation can lead to severe health consequences much like smoking, obesity, or high blood pressure. James Lynch, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Life Care Health Associates, has done extensive research on loneliness. In his book, "A Cry Unheard: New Insights into the Medical Consequences of Loneliness," he discusses the health hazards of loneliness and its relation to heart diseases. Dr. Lynch indicates that when one speaks, blood pressure rises. He also says that there is a risk of heart attack when the topic is highly emotional and brings out anger, or if the person is having difficulty communicating. Stress, depression, and loneliness are clinically interconnected," he adds.